Red Bluff driver arrested after leading Redding police on chase and crashing

A 33-year-old Red Bluff man was arrested Thursday by Redding police following a brief pursuit, which ended shortly before he collided with a vehicle on Highway 44 near Victor Avenue, police said Friday.

Richard Pulido, who suffered minor injuries in the crash, was arrested on suspicion of felony evading and felony DUI causing injury, police said.

Redding police said in a news release that an officer attempted to stop the driver of a 2013 Kia Optima around 9:25 p.m. in the area of Shasta View Drive and Marigold Street.

The driver, later identified as Pulido, refused to stop and a brief pursuit began, police said.

Due to the recklessness of Pulido’s driving, as well as weather conditions, police said, the pursuit was called off on Highway 44 near Victor Avenue.

But, police said, Pulido continued westbound at a high rate of speed, lost control of his car and hit another vehicle in the area of Highway 44 and Interstate 5.

California Highway Patrol officers responded and arrived within moments along with Redding officers.

Police said the driver who was hit by Pulido's car, identified as Raman Patel, 54, of Redding, suffered minor to moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Officers said Pulido showed signs of alcohol and marijuana use, and it was determined he was under the influence following field sobriety tests.